Cooking vs. Making - a Poem for Friday Writings and for dVerse Quadrille

My Egg, Ham, and Cheese sandwich open face 
See its recipe amongst various ones that I make 
Oct 13 in a search of my blog for the word "sandwich  
 here, https://jimmiehov.blogspot.com/search?q=sandwich 

Note: Today, March 8, is International Women's Day.   Click here to read about it.

    A Woman's Touch 

It takes a woman's touch 

Woman's touch for to cook 

Cook I said, not to make 

I make sandwiches, egg,

ham, and cheese oh so fine

Meatballs and spaghetti

and follow recipes

It's finer touch, deserts

pretty dishes she cooks 

Woman touches for those

               _ _ _

 - Photo and Poem Copywrite, Jimmiehov 2023 and 2024 Respectively, All Rights Reserved

 - I am linked with Rosemary at the Friday Writings #117 at 

     https://poetsandstorytellersunited.blogspot.com/?m=1 

  where she asked "us to write sensual poetry or prose about an item of clothes." (this request was optional for us to use)

 - I was also linked with De Jackson for the dVerse Quadrille 195  on February 19 at 

  https://dversepoets.com/2024/02/19/quadrille-195-dont-touch-that-dial-stay-and-write-a-poem/

 where she asked us to use the prompt word "touch" in our poem of exactly 44 words, not counting the title.

 - Click here to read other's Quadrille writings 

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Food and Eating -- A Write for Friday Writings

[JIM'S LITTLE BLOG: Happy Birthday Sis! Happy Birthday Lois! (jimmiehov.blogspot.com)]
A restaurant on the West Side of Montgomery, Texas, now closed (Lois is center, back)

About Food and Eating 

Been asked to tell a tale 

A tale of food or eating 

Start with a place 

that isn't good? 

That I will not 

        We've never had a bad at the Cracker Barrels.  Their Meat Loaf is par with Mom's; Chicken Fried Chicken is my favorite.  Desert is Fried Apple in sweet syrup to go for desserts, at home we have it a la mode with Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla ice cream. 

        Yummy!!  

Then tell about your cook 

I'll tell you of some things I cook 

My cooking some might call 

it for every thing I make 

So everything I make, means 

microwaving, baking, frying, 

assembly of ingredients, 

defrosting from the frozen,

You name it, that, I might “make”

        Today I'm "making" Hot Dogs with cheese and sauerkraut and having Bush Original Baked Beans soon for Lunch. Cherry Pie a la mode next or later for dessert. 

If there is a place left 

on the Misses' card 

we can go out for 

a tasty meal 

    

        And when I'm not “making” it chances are that we are eating out. I like a lot of places besides Cracker Barrel. Some we visit that are nearby, Fast Food would be McDonald's, Wendy's, Burger King, Whataburger, Little Caesars(pizza), Chick-fil-A, and Kolache Factory. Favorites here would be Burger King for a sit-in Breakfast, Wendy's for sandwiches, and Subway and Kolache Factory for take-out.

        If we are better dressed for going in, it would be Orleans, Spring Barbeque, Luby's, Willie's Grill, Carrabba's Italian, Chuck Wagon BBQ and Burgers, La Finca(Mexican), and Apple-bees.

        Our Sunday Restaurant is Orleans, serving New Orleans type foods, much is spicier than Mrs. Jim wants. Wendy's eat-in is good, ours isn't open often for breakfast due to a help shortage. Burger King has Breakfast coupons; our favorite there is BOGO egg, cheese, and Ham or Sausage croissant sandwiches plus one senior coffee; it comes with one helping tater tots and one medium coffee.

    I used a list, “Restaurants in Katy,” there were 972 (Houston Metro Area, 11,361) for choosing. Some others did not make the list. Also we eat outside Katy into Houston proper, there it is liable to be Papadeaux Seafood. 

    Luby's has veteran discounts, Orleans has Senior Day on Fridays.

   _ _ _ 

 -Photo and Poem Copyright, Jimmiehov 2023, All Rights Reserved 

 - I am linked with Rosemaryy at Friday Writings #90 at     https://poetsandstorytellersunited.blogspot.com/2023/08/friday-wrings-90-food-andor-eating.html?m=1

 - Rosemary has asked us to write about food and/or eating short or longish (369 words or fewer), fiction or nonfiction. Mine is exactly 369 words not counting the title.

Lovely Onion Cries -- a Poem for dVerse Poetics and Friday Writings

    To the Lovely Onion 

Lovely Onion, why do you cry 

I'm the one who should be crying  

Role to cry, not yours, 'til I die  

You're so beautiful when you're sliced 

Your rings gleaming with joy you serve 

Crisp and ever kept when on ice 

Your tangy taste brought to the fore 

When you're breaded and brown and fried 

Your lovers always cry for more 

Healthy food you match so many 

Vitamins, minerals and fiber 

Salted for sodium and taste 

Lovely onion, I see not you should cry 

Lovers abound in this world you to try 

    _ _ _ 

The fine print:

 -  Photo and Poem Copyright, Jimmiehov 2013* and 2023, All Rights Reserved **

 - I am linked with Melisa Lemay, guest host, dVerse Poetics: Peeled Away, at   

    https://dversepoets.com/2023/08/01/poetics-peeled-away/ 

 - I am linked Magaly for the prompt at Friday Writings # 88 ,   

   https://poetsandstorytellersunited.blogspot.com/

 - Magaly has asked us to write of "poetry or prose, which includes a cliché used in an unusual way.  I opted out on that, but I can't even say "better late than never" because I might "never" do that.  

 - Notes:

    * http://jimmiehov6.blogspot.com/2013/11/potato-with-texas-bbq.html  

  **See my other poems or writes on this blog using or about Onions here, 

    https://jimmiehov6.blogspot.com/search?q=onion 

     and on my other active blog here, 

    https://jimmiehov.blogspot.com/search?q=onion

    Included above is my recipe for making a delicious egg sandwich using Onions.  Yummy (BTW, notice how I make a square fried egg in the microwave--it fits the bread better) ,

    https://jimmiehov.blogspot.com/2012/06/e.html 

 - To read others using Onions in their works for the prompt, 

    click here

.. 

Simple Life - a Poem for Friday Writings

   Glimmers 

Microwaves and Keurig 

Dishwashers and wash 

machines and the likes 

Glimmers in my life 

Quick and easy is 

the way of my life 

Quick and easy fits 

From hot chocolate, 

square eggs to fit bread, 

stuffed peppers a snap 

Little things, glimmers,

make my life simple 

Note: 

• "Glimmers are small moments that spark joy or peace, which can help cue our nervous system to feel safe or calm.
• Experts say this mindset shift can make a positive impact on our mental health."
• USA Today

 _ _ _ 

 - Photos and Poem Copyright, Jimmiehov 2023, All Rights Reserved 

 - I am linked with Rommy for the prompt at Friday Writings # 86 ,   

   https://poetsandstorytellersunited.blogspot.com/

 - Rommy has asked us "to write about our “glimmers”. A glimmer is the opposite of a trigger--some small thing that fills us with happiness/delight and can turn a mood around."

..

Burned Breakfast -- a Poem for Friday Writings

"Don't cry over burnt toast" 

'twas a weekday morning 

had nothing special planned 

Coffee and snack time 

10:30 AM 

The Mrs. had a Kolache 

split in two 

one piece for her 

another for me 

She had eaten hers 

with her cup of coffee 

I put mine in the micro 

set for "Reheat" 

forgot the Kolache 

tending my coffee 

suddenly I smelled smoke 

something was burning 

Oops, forgot my food 

normally a warm touch 

and I will take it out 

O dear what will I do 

I am a bit hungry 

lunch would be around three 

when we get home after the 

doctor's special visit 

Open the fridge 

not much there 

assortment of leftovers 

greeted my eyes 

Make do, make do 

leftovers better than none 

let's see what we can do 

Who's the "we" brother Jim? 

We shall find how well they blend 

     Click on the picture for a larger size view

Cottage cheese, low fat 

"Cajun style Crab Dip" 

very hot to the taste 

And a whole gob of brown beans 

"Bush's Best, Original" 

Got them on sale, 99 cents 

With a fresh pack of 

crisp graham crackers 

That was quite a haul 

beans made the difference 

Top it off, quite full now 

with three soft dark prunes 

Those finished it off 

for a guy who could not 

wear his upper appliance 

today, dentist's order 

Mouth should heal a bit

    _ _ _ 

 - Photos and Poem Copyright, Jimmiehove 2023, all rights reserved 

 - I am linked with Rosemary for an inspiring prompt phrase at the Friday Writings #84 ,  

   https://poetsandstorytellersunited.blogspot.com/

  - Rosemary has asked "us to be inspired by the phrase "Broken glass crunching under the boot steps"."

 - We were to limit our writing to 360 words, mine has 216 without the title covered

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It's on the Cook -- a Poem for dVerse Quadrille Night

 

          Cook is Being Generous 

        It's Friday night and tonight 

        It's fish night, fish and chips night 

        They're free tonight, a handout 

        A present from the Pub cook 

        Buy a drink then grub is free 

        Can of diet Coke fits me

        Catsup, peas, tarter sauce

        With BIG TIP following 

            _ _ _ 

 - Photos and Poem Copyright, Jimmiehov 2012* and 2023 respectively, All Rights Reserved 

 - I am linked with lillian in Quadrille at dVerse Quadrille Night where the prompt word is "present"

    https://dversepoets.com/2023/06/12/come-imbibe-with-me-today/ 

 - Click here to see other's works with this prompt *Note:  I eat 'Fish Chips with Mushy Peas' quite often, not all make my blog.  These are some of them.  The ocean window seat was of Mrs. Jim and me having lunch at the Pub on the cruise ship, Queen Mary.  Of course they served Fish and Chips.

    https://jimmiehov.blogspot.com/search?q=fish+and%20chips

Recipe for Planning a Travel Holiday - a Tasty Write for Friday Writings

 

        A Travel Holiday, i.e. Vacation 

The rich combination of chocolate and almond plus 

having it in a wrapped bar makes any travel finer.  

I have traveled to all 50 of the United States and 

have visited 82 or more countries I'm showing here. 

The hope here for you is that you enjoy the travel 

as much or more than I have. 

                                _ _ _ _ 

Back to our recipe, before we even start making 

our delightful trip full of relaxation, learning, and 

enjoyment there are a few items to get straight. 

Decisions:

    A Destination -- do your homework here use 

        google to help you, and for other items

    Mode(s) of travel -- this in part will depend on

        where you are going, your physical condition, 

        and the amount of money in your purse/wallet

    A Budget for expected costs -- google helps you 

    Who all is going -- a travel alone for a single is 

        more costly, although not exactly "two can go 

        for the price of one"

    Time -- How much time can you take? (I had 

        six weeks each summer and I taught six weeks 

        for spare money to use) 

    Miscellaneous -- you may come up with other 

        decisions you need to make, these above all work 

        together 

                                _ _ _ _ 

    

Ingredients for the plan:

    3 pounds of dollar bills (more if you have or need) 

    2 tablespoons of cooperation with spouses, etc 

    1 can of dark, sweet and pitted time 

    1/2 tablespoon of salt and perspiration 

    2 cups of sleep every night 

    1 blank notebook 

    3 days of inspecting, lubricating, and repairs if driving 

    An ample amount of spare time 

To Start

    In a chilled bowl  in room temperature mix dollar                         bills, the cooperation, and 1/3 cup of time and beat 

    until tempers are very stiff.  Refrigerate as needed 

    to cool off 

Begin using the notebook so as not make the same 

    mistakes twice.  Take note of tricks you use to keep 

    the other's cool as and if this applies to your help 

To assemble your trip plans, add the other ingredients 

    and hope for the best.  Pour them out onto a greased 

    and slightly rusted pan and bake regularly until it is

    departure time.

                Bon Voyage and Good Luck, Enjoy!! 

                          

"A Bachelor's Best Friend, the Cookbook" 
Copyright Jimmiehov 2023 

   

 - Top Photo and Poem Copyright, Jimmiehov 2012 and 2023 Respectively, All Rights Reserved 

 - I am linked with Rosemary at the Friday Writings #63,  

        https://poetsandstorytellersunited.blogspot.com/

 - Rosemary has invited us to write a recipe in recipe-form (whether literally for an actual meal, or metaphorically for anything else at all). 

 - The Betty Crocker Cookbook is mine, I had it for my rescue for the three years way back, 50 years ago when I was single.  The top Photo was a birthday cake assembled for me by our granddaughter, KP, when she was three years old, read about it here.  

 - This write is exactly 369 words long, our limit now.  I could have written more but I ran out of both time and words. 

 - Click these words, Recipe Poem, to see a couple of my other recipe poems.  One is borderline.

.. 

Fun with Food - a Foodie Poem for dVerse, "Poetics: Spicing it Up"

We like it, our kitchen:  I took this from the living room bar looking into the kitchen.
It is a kitchen-in-round; start from the left is a wide opening into the living room; 
next is a hall into the dining room or the garage; right is a door into the guest room 
and bath; and last a wide opening into the breakfast room.  That room sees into the 
living room, over a low counter sees into the kitchen.  The back windows look out
into the back yard, to the left of the windows is a door to the back porch.    

This week for writing topic Merill has "chosen twenty-five herbs, spices, flavors, and spice combinations—A to Z. Pick at least three for your poem. Use more if you so desire. You may also choose one of the words or phrases for your title."

    Her list:

Aleppo Pepper         Arizona         Dreaming Basil         Cinnamon         Coriander 

Cumin                     Dill               Fennel seeds            Garam Masala   Ginger 

Krakow Nights         Lemongrass   Mulling spices           Mural of flavor  Mustard Seeds 

Nutmeg                   Paprika         Saffron                     Sea salt            Sesame Seeds   

Sunny Paris             Thyme           Tuscan Sunset           Vanilla              Zatar "

        

        Cooking with Spice;  

                    mulling spices

Sunny Paris is the place to have the best Chocolate, 

the next best would be my home 

where our nice daughter brought us 

some lemon-flavored mini cupcakes 

from her favorite French Bakery. 

Trouble is I cannot taste lemon flavor; 

my taster has gone caput after 

my March 2022 bout with COVID. 

So I spread mine with Chocolate Hazelnut Spread. 

That is one item, one flavor, that I can still taste 

I married a Cajun girl from Louisiana 

she loves Cajun cooking, lightly flavored hot.  

Red beans and rice, seafood gumbo, 

Étouffée, shrimp poboys, and all the like.  

She makes those 

but hasn't for the last three or so years.  

I am not sure of the Aleppo Pepper spice on my list, 

in the stores I'll spend time mulling spices 

(I haven't seen it on our Texas grocery 

store's shelves--must ask), 

I use Tony Chachere's Original Creole Seasoning powder. 

That's when what I've bought isn't seasoned hot

Today I made stuffed bell peppers, stuffed with boudin. 

My boudin came ready spiced 

and is spiced just a little heavier than she likes. 

But I do 

*Read the footnote, I'll have my recipe there. 

It's easy, quick and easy.

Quick and easy is the way I like

Another specialty of mine is meatballs and spaghetti, 

it too is quick and easy. 

All out of a jar, package, or freezer or fridge. 

It's every bit as good as you find 

under the Tuscan Sunet. 

How do I know? Oh, I've been there, done that, 

for about a month's of my two months' time in Italy. 

Anyway, I serve it 

covered lightly, the meat balls for sure 

with Italian shredded cheese. 

I cook others, my specialties are 

hot dogs with sauerkraut or corn dogs, 

also Maruchan Instant Lunch Soup.  

I embellish the latter with more cooked shrimp 

or Italian meat balls 

and some creole seasoning.  

My Mrs. doesn't like the last 

probably she had too many in college her dorms  

We call it cooking if 

it isn't just stick it in the microwave 

or defrost it, 

but yes if more preparation besides the wave 

or heating the oven 

or following a recipe cooking 

    *Note:  My Recipe for Quick and Easy Stuffed Peppers:

Tell about one of your experiences with peppers.  I like and use my recipe for "Quick and Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers."  To make it faster have all your ingredients out; I use hot water from my Keurig machine as it is almost ready to boil.

Use precooked boudin, it consists of Cajun spiced sausage and rice, perfect for stuffing precooked (boiled) cut in halves Green Pepper. One link will make two stuffed half bell peppers, a package of Cajun Boudin generally comes with two or more links. 
Boil the cut peppers, stuff the peppers, and bake in the oven, probably about 350 degrees until nice and hot, I do seven to ten minutes. (If you've just defrosted the boudin and softened the peppers they will be somewhat warmish already>)
You can garnish the top with bread crumbs or even put ketchup on the tops.  Yum Yum.

  _ _ _ 

 - My Writing is Copyright, Jimmiehov 2022, All Rights Reserved 

 - I am linked with dVerse where MerillDSmith, her other work here, has assigned for our Poetry/Writing using any form Challenge above, see  

  https://dversepoets.com/2022/09/20/poetics-spicing-it-up/ 

 - I chose prose form, possibly prose poetry, I've gotten to write more that way lately 

 - Click here to read other's work with the spicey words 

 ...